The highly anticipated 5th edition of the Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress is set to take place on September 18-19, 2024, at the Dhahran Expo in Dammam. This event, the Kingdom’s largest and most influential maritime gathering, is poised to shape the future of the shipping and logistics sectors in the region. With strategic partners such as Bahri, Seatrade Maritime, MAWANI, and the Transport General Authority (TGA), along with support from Saudi Aramco and IMI, the congress will serve as a premier platform for industry leaders to collaborate and revolutionize the maritime landscape across Saudi Arabia and the GCC.
Building on the success of the 2023 edition, which saw a 95% year-on-year increase in attendance, the 2024 congress is expected to draw key players from the maritime and logistics industries. The event will facilitate dialogue, knowledge sharing, and strategic partnerships, all aimed at driving forward Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to increase the Kingdom’s non-oil revenues to SR 45 billion annually.
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Strategic Importance
Saudi Arabia has made significant strides toward becoming a global logistics hub with the launch of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy in 2021. This initiative aims to position the Kingdom as a key connector between three continents and enhance all transportation services to support the Vision 2030 goals. In 2022 alone, Saudi ports handled over 10.43 million containers, propelling the Kingdom to the 16th position globally in container handling. By 2030, the nation aims to increase its port capacity to handle over 40 million containers annually.
The Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress will play a critical role in realizing these ambitions by bringing together professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders from around the world. Chris Morley, Group Director of Seatrade Maritime, noted the significance of the event: “The transport and logistics sectors are crucial drivers of the Kingdom’s economy, and the Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress provides unparalleled opportunities for industry collaboration and growth.”
Event Highlights and Features
The 2023 congress was attended by over 7,300 professionals, featured 67 expert speakers, and showcased 147 leading industry brands. The 2024 edition aims to surpass these numbers, with over 70 countries expected to be represented. The event’s agenda will address key topics such as digitalization, decarbonization, supply chain evolution, energy transition, and workforce development. This broad scope will offer participants a wealth of opportunities to connect with new markets and partners from around the globe.
One of the standout features of the 2024 congress will be the introduction of the ‘Maritime Think Tank.’ This forum will gather local, regional, and international experts to explore innovative ideas and strategies shaping the future of the industry. The Think Tank will focus on Saudi Arabia’s rapid growth and groundbreaking initiatives, serving as a model for global maritime transformation.
A Showcase of Industry Collaboration
The Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress will also feature an exhibition with prominent industry players showcasing their latest innovations and services. Companies already confirmed as exhibitors include Abdulla Nass & Partners, Jana Marine Services, Faisal M. Higgi & Associates, Integrated Marine Solutions, POSH SAUDI, and the Arab Shipbuilding & Repair Yard Company, among others. These exhibitors will provide attendees with valuable insights into the latest advancements in the maritime and logistics sectors.
In addition, Bahri, a founding strategic partner of the event, will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with SAIL, a subsidiary of the Saudi Investment Recycling Co., to enhance their service offerings in the Kingdom. This collaboration will focus on developing the maritime sector and sharing expertise to strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub.
With its impressive line-up of speakers, exhibitors, and groundbreaking initiatives, the Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress is poised to be a transformative event for the industry, driving innovation, collaboration, and growth both within Saudi Arabia and on the global stage.
